North Korea has unequivocally rejected its southern neighbor’s latest diplomatic push, labeling President Lee Jae Myung’s denuclearisation plan an “unrealisable pipe dream.” The harsh dismissal came as Lee met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to ask for Beijing’s help in bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.
During the state summit in Gyeongju, Lee urged Xi to “strengthen strategic communication” to resume dialogue, hoping to build on recent China-North Korea exchanges. Lee’s proposal involves a phased approach, starting with a freeze on the North’s nuclear weapons program.
Pyongyang’s rejection is consistent with its recent hardline stance. The regime has abandoned its unification policy, now calls Seoul its “main enemy,” and has sworn off talks with the South. Leader Kim Jong Un has suggested talks with the U.S. are possible, but only if Washington abandons its denuclearisation demands.
President Xi, on his first visit to South Korea in 11 years, stressed the importance of the Beijing-Seoul partnership. Chinese state media reports on the meeting, however, focused on multilateralism and economic cooperation in areas like AI, making no mention of the North Korea discussions.
The summit also touched on economic friction. Lee raised issues like Chinese sanctions on shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean and the effective ban on South Korean entertainment. The leaders signed several pacts, including a won-yuan currency swap, highlighting their complex relationship.